Municipal Court Director

Link to Apply: https://garlandtx.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Garlandcareers/details/Municipal-Court-Director_JR100004?q=municipal+court+director

Position Summary

Responsible for directing the non-judicial operations, and business functions of the Municipal Court in a fair, courteous and efficient manner. Position will provide support to Municipal Court Judge’s Office.

To learn more about the position, department and the Garland community, click on the link below to review the recruitment brochure.

The salary will be market competitive depending on qualifications and experience. The total rewards package includes director-level perquisites and a variety of leave and insurance benefits, including free access to the CityCare Clinic for covered employees and dependents, an award-winning wellness program and a generous 2:1 employer match in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)*. In addition, the City offers a voluntary 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending account, tuition reimbursement and more. Reasonable relocation benefits may be provided to the chosen candidate.

*The City participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at a mandatory employee deposit rate of 7% and an employer matching ratio of 2:1.

All inquiries related to the recruitment and selection process for this position should be directed to the attention of the City’s Human Resources Department.

Lilly Clarke, HR Administrator Talent@GarlandTX.gov

Essential Job Functions

1. Manage and direct the Municipal Court Administration operation, support services and compliance.
2. Ensure the Court is in compliance with local, state and federal rules and laws.
3. Ensure defendant and citizens needs are met in an efficient and courteous manner.
4. Develop, coordinate and implement the objectives of the department including performance measures and service improvements.
5. Keep abreast of legislative changes as well as process improvements and implement into action as needed.
6. Oversee the annual operating budget; analyze revenue projections and monitor department expenditures.
7. Evaluate staff performance, assess training needs and develop improvements to workflow.
8. Oversee departmental tasks and projects to make sure deadlines are met.
9. Act as liaison to City management and Judges concerning reporting and Court related activities.
10. Collaborate with City Marshal to ensure security of court/office environments.
11. Ensure Municipal Court facilities are properly maintained.

Minimum Education & Work Experience

ϖ 4 year college degree
ϖ 8 years experience in a Court environment
ϖ 5 years of supervisory/management experience
ϖ TMCEC Level II Court Certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Knowledge - Abilities & Skills

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Law or related area of study
• 8-10 years experience in Court environment progressively
• 5 years management experience in public and/or court administration (customer service and revenue collection)
• TMCEC Level III Certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of court case management and court services workflow requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of court case management software and maintenance of software.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and the policies and practices of the judicial system and/or municipal court systems
• Considerable knowledge of the rules and laws relating to Municipal Court accounting
• Considerable knowledge of municipal government court services operations
• Proficient skill in Microsoft Office Products
• Proficient skill in Accounting & Cash handling practices
• Ability to analyze procedures and determine impact of proposed changes to improve Court operations

Licenses & Certifications

ϖ Valid Class C Texas driver's license

Physical Tasks & Working Conditions

The incumbent works in a typical office environment; because the work environment requires face-to-face interaction with customers the incumbent may be exposed to high stress non-violent confrontational situations. The incumbent is expected to adequately use verbal skills to defuse interpersonal confrontation or conflict.

MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the job and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The City of Bridgeport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.  The City is an equal opportunity employer.

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt             STARTING PAY:  $27.89/hour DOQ

WORK HOURS:  Monday – Friday:  8:00 – 5:00 with a one hour lunch

APPLY ONLINE AT CITY OF BRIDGEPORT JOBS

JOB SUMMARY

This position exists for the daily administrative and legal operations of the Municipal Court Department.  The Court Administrator provides administrative support to the Municipal Court Judge and Prosecutor; prepares and approves reports to be submitted to different State agencies, City Council, and City Manager.  The Court Administrator plans, directs and reviews the activities of the Municipal Court staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of Financial Services. This position exercises direct supervision of court staff.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

·         The Municipal Court Administrator is a first-line supervisory management position that ensures continuous support services for the City’s court system. 

·         Manages the work activities that support court dockets and proceedings.

·         Advancement to this position is through the appointment and requires the ability to administer court proceedings, assigns, and reviews the work of staff, supervises the collection of fines and restitution programs.

·         Ensure the efficient, lawful, and cooperative operation of the Municipal Court under Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 30; City of Bridgeport Charter; and applicable City ordinances.

·         Oversees Municipal Court operations and administrative workflow; applies specific knowledge of policies and procedures to organize and coordinate work and relieve the Judge of routine administrative details.

·         Coordinates the administration of the Municipal Court in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and the city ordinances, with prudence and integrity and in an impartial manner. 

·         Applies judgment to resolving problems and developing solutions;

·         Organizes assigns and reviews work, including all phases of the administrative and legal court processes.  Assures court procedures are in compliance with administrative court orders and state and local laws.

·         The Court Administrator serves as liaison with the judge, police officers, attorneys, prosecutors, and the general public.  Resolves difficult problem situations make ambiguous code regulation interpretations.

·         The Court Administrator establishes reviews and updates departmental policies and procedures, goals and objectives; Reviews pending cases, court schedules, and related items.

·         Coordinates implementation of the security plan for Municipal Court.

·         Assists the Finance Director in Managing personnel including requisitions, interviewing, hiring, promotions, evaluations, progression, discipline, and termination of subordinate staff.

·         Prepares and implements training programs for employees.

·         Prepares and updates the Municipal Court policies and procedures manual.

·         Responsible for establishing guidelines for the training of staff on the proper use of the Municipal Court Records Management System.

·         Responsible for maintaining the required user fields, system maintenance, and updates for the Municipal Court Records Management System.

·         Responsible for maintaining the required user fields, system maintenance, and updates for the document imaging system.

·         Responsible for understanding the daily operation of all divisions within the Municipal Court.

·         Responsible for ensuring that the court complies with the Office of Court Administration Collections Program.

·         Assists in preparing and managing the department’s budget, resources, and capital improvement plan; serves as custodian of funds of the Court and conducts internal audits; implements procedures to process financial transactions.

·         The Court Administrator serves as the Records Management Officer for the retention, preservation, and destruction of Court records.  Reviews record retention schedules and revise as necessary. 

·         Prepares supportive documentation to be presented to City Council for approval of contracts and ordinances; manages contracts with collection agencies and others; coordinates with prosecutor information needed to prosecute cases.

·         Enforces and reviews compliance with the Rules of Judicial Administration (Judicial Records) and Rule 12.

·         Provides administrative support to the Municipal Court Judge, including preparing and maintaining required reports, scheduling court dates, documenting all court activities, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

·         Implement changes in the laws that affect Court proceedings.

·         Supervises the processing of payments of fines and other accounts receivable, including making account adjustments, balancing receipts, and preparing summary reports and deposits.

·         Monitors collection of court costs designated for Municipal Court.

·         Responsible for ensuring that the court complies with reporting deadlines to local, state and federal agencies.

·         Assist the Judge with creating and maintaining the trial docket.

·         Responsible for departmental accounts payable, including preparing check requests, payment by credit card and processing purchase orders.

·         Responsible for acquisition of materials, equipment and supplies.

·         Responsible for contacting City departments for service requests such as building maintenance and computer services.

·         Responsible for providing updates for the Municipal Court website.

·         Responsible for updating the website for online payments.

·         Responsible for maintaining records according to state-mandated retention schedules.

·         Responsible for maintaining an accurate and efficient filing and storage of Municipal Court Records.

·         Process request for expungement including assigning a hearing date, notifying related agencies, preparing a court order, and removal of cases as ordered.

·         Responsible for processing expungement orders received from other judicial agencies.

·         Responsible for processing confidential cases files under Texas state law.

·         Answers citizen inquiries, directs citizens to the appropriate staff person, and follows up on citizen complaints.

·         Responsible for accurately handling large amounts of public money.

·         Responsible to oversee the reconciliation of court cash drawers.

·         Responsible for auditing citation numbers.

·         Attends annual training specific to legislative changes affecting municipal courts, records management software upgrades, and municipal court procedures.

·         Performs other functions and duties as required by the Judge and Finance Director.

Other Duties:

·         Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

·         Required to attend the Texas Municipal Training for Municipal Court annually.

·         Assist other City employees, City officials, outside agencies, and the public.

·         Exercise considerable initiative and judgment; and broad discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.

·         Convey a positive professional image by action, communication, and appearance.

·         Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this job.

·         Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires in-depth knowledge of the organizational and operational requirements, procedures, characteristics, services and activities of the municipal court:

·         Requires knowledge of legal terminology, court policies, procedures and practices, and record retention schedules;

·         Requires knowledge of the laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations served by the court;

·         Requires knowledge of modern office organization, information flow, and equipment;

·         Requires well-developed knowledge of personal computer-based information systems used in the courts, including specialized databases for storing and retrieving information and standard office productivity software; 

·         Requires sufficient math skills to prepare and administer budgets and produce the statistical analysis; 

·         Requires well-developed skill-using the English language to prepare paralegal correspondence; 

·         Requires well-developed human relations skills to make present a positive image of the department, convey technical information to others, review performance, and use patience and sensitivity in dealing with angry, hostile, upset customers.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position typically requires an Associate Degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field, preferred; and three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in court services or other functions in a police or court environment or Municipal Court Clerk Level I Certification may substitute for some higher education. 

·         Must attend the State’s yearly required training and obtain Municipal Court Clerk Level II within two years. 

·         Certification must be maintained to continue employment.

·         Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with the satisfactory driving record, as defined by City policy.

·         Proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge and understanding of Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 30, which governs the operation of Municipal Courts of Record.
• Requires Principles of personnel management.
• Incode Court software preferred.
• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish languages preferred.
• Requires Proper cash handling procedures and necessary mathematical calculations.
• Apply appropriate laws, policies, or procedures dependent on circumstances.  Retain knowledge of historical statutes and procedures.
• It requires the ability to perform all of the duties of the position efficiently and in an open environment with interruptions and distractions. 
• Requires the ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise the activities of a municipal court system that includes jury selection, records management, restitution and probation, accounts receivable, and leadership over general Court clerical work. 
• Requires the ability to select, supervise, and review the performance of assigned staff.
• It requires the ability to define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop a sound, independent conclusions, and recommendations by laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
• Ability to set goals and objectives, motivates employees to excel and meet expectations.
• Must be able to interpret, explain, and apply knowledge of department organization, operations, programs, functions, and unique terminology when performing assignments. 
• Requires the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines.  It requires the ability to work cooperatively with members of the news media and the public.
• Requires the ability to work as a contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City and its services. 
• Requires the ability to utilize computers and systems, including hardware and software to set up functions, enter data, and process information to serve departmental user's needs and to conduct data searches and produce correspondence and reports.
• It requires the ability to maintain the confidentiality of private and sensitive information.
• May require written and oral competency in the Spanish language.

BENEFITS

The City offers all full time employees the following benefits:  nine paid holidays plus three paid floating personal days; paid vacations and sick days; and a sick day pool.  The City pays for the entire portion of the employee’s health and vision insurance as well as a large portion of the dependent’s coverage.  Dental insurance is offered to the employee & their family.  The City has a telemedicine plan available to the employee & their family at no charge.  Employees are provided with long term disability insurance and $30K life/ADD insurance with an option to purchase additional life coverage.  The City has access to a 457(b) retirement plan as well as AFLAC and an HSA savings account. Additionally, the City provides a $200/month benefit allowance to its full time employees to assist in paying for the employee’s portion of benefits.  The City offers extra pay for bilingual employees as applicable. 

Salary

$39,520.00 - $44,886.40 Annually

Location 

Round Rock, TX

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

201801347

Department

Municipal Court - Finance

Opening Date

08/10/2023

Closing Date

8/24/2023 11:59 PM Central

APPLY ONLINE AT CITY OF ROUND ROCK JOBS

Description

Under general supervision, the Deputy Court Clerk provides support services to the municipal court including scheduling court dockets, maintaining records of the court process, and coordinating assigned activities with the general public.

Posted range is the starting salary.  Pay rate offered is based on experience.

Examples of Duties

Assist the public in person and by phone including retrieving information and files and providing general information regarding court fines, scheduling of court dates, driving safety courses, deferred adjudication, warrants, and processing extensions; assist the public in problem solving and research activities.

Provide staff assistance; prepare periodic reports of municipal court activities; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate.

Organize, submit, process, file and/or distribute prepared paperwork for proper signatures.

Attend municipal court sessions to process paperwork as required.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Maintain data files, in both paper and electronic formats, by keying in data elements, sorting and filing. Collect fines and fees.

Input citation data into the computer system and checks it for accuracy.

Experience and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two (2) years clerical and cash handling work experience is required.
• Bilingual is preferred.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Must test for Municipal Court Clerk Certification-Level 1 within 18 months of hire.

City of Georgetown

Application Link: https://georgetown.org/jobs/

Contact Information: recruiting@georgetown.org

Job Title: Municipal Court Administrator

Jos Summary:

With a high degree of independence, ensures the efficient and accurate operation of the City's court by managing court operations, leading the court team, and providing excellent customer service to the community.

Job Description:

The first review of applications will begin after Monday, August 14. Applicants must submit a cover letter & resume.

• Ensures the smooth and effective operations of Municipal Court through the planning, organizing and supervision of work activities for court processes.
• Provides oversight to the effectiveness of the Teen Court Program which builds relationships with the Georgetown Independent School District, the students and the community. 
• Implements policies and procedures relating to Municipal Court with the approval of the presiding judge that are within the parameters of State law and Texas Municipal Courts Education Center guidelines.
• Coordinates with judges, prosecutor, staff and other departments to meet department goals and objectives.
• Ensures all mandatory training is scheduled and completed by staff and judges. 
• Ensures staff works as a cohesive team to provide quality customer service to their customers.
• Provides professional development, assignment/monitoring of duties and performance counseling and evaluations, and effective leadership to meet department goals; prepare midyear and annual performance evaluations.
• Manages the Court’s records and provides accurate reporting of court statistics and financial information. 
• Ensures all financial records for the State court costs and judicial reporting are maintained and submitted within required deadlines.
• Ensures that internal controls are implemented for cash handling, mail processing and non-cash processing; reconciles court system to the City’s general ledger. 
• Provides oversight for the court case management software including system maintenance and implementation. 
• Ensures the expunction of all records as directed by court orders from this court as well as higher courts such as Williamson County and District Courts. 
• Provides oversight for the appeal process from Municipal court to the Williamson County Court of Law.
• Prepares and manages Municipal Court’s departmental budget and leads interdepartmental court team that deals with Court related issues, including building cohesive relationships with Police, Code Enforcement, Animal Services and other agencies to carry out the functions of Municipal Court.
• Ensures statutory requirements and expenditures for special revenue funds are met.
• Provides oversight for warrant administration with the approval of the presiding judge; recalls warrants as necessary according to policy guidelines; reconciles warrant information in numerous systems.   
• Administers the Failure to Appear program by ensuring accurate information is sent, reviewing clearing information, and preparing quarterly reports for payment.  
• Oversees non-cash processing, works with jail, warrant officer and other outside entities. 
• Stays abreast of changes in State law and City ordinances regarding court procedures.
• Develops, implements and administers any revisions, additions, or enhancements to accommodate mandatory legislative updates.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, training and Experience Guidelines

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, criminal justice, or other related field. Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience as a court clerk in a computerized system.  Four (4) years of the required experience must have been in a supervisory capacity in a court. 

 

High School diploma or equivalent with the same required years of court experience may be substituted for a degree provided the incumbent holds a valid Texas Municipal Court Clerk Level II or higher certification.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Valid Class C Texas Driver's License

Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program, Level II through Texas Court Clerks Association and Texas Municipal Courts Education Center. Individuals that do not hold this certification, or that hold a similar certification through another State or National Court education program, at time of hire must obtain Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program, Level II through Texas Court Clerks Association and Texas Municipal Courts Education Center within two (2) years of hire date.

Hiring Range: $79,417.00 - $99,486.40 annually.

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JOB TITLE:     Deputy Court Clerk                                                 

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

JOB CLASSIFICATION:    Administrative

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Court Administrator, the Deputy Court Clerk is responsible for clerical duties of the Municipal Court and at times, the Police Department.  Although most decisions are made on a routine level, they sometimes require some interpretations or judgments.  Has contact with the public, which requires courtesy, tact and diplomacy since the situation is sometimes stressful for the citizen.  The deputy court clerk has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Welcomes citizens or defendants by greeting them in a courteous manner, in person or on the telephone, answering or referring inquiries.

2.      Collect, sort, and distribute all incoming mail.  Processes outgoing mail.   

3.      Ensures the front area and court chambers are kept clean and organized.

4.      Clerical duties, including data entry, docketing, filing, bonds. (enter disposition of each case, on the appropriate documents, including the receipt for fines and bonds posted) 

5.      Data entry of court documents including but not limited to: complaints, citations, payments, bonds, extensions, warrants, subpoenas, summons, etc. 

6.      The collection of customer court payments.  Administrator will post and deposit of customer court payments.

7.      Maintains court files as defined in municipal court procedures.

8.      Notify defendants of court appearances when requested by mail and of agreement made in court with Judge.

9.      Mail out warrant letters to each defendant that gets a warrant with total amount.  Cross train to be knowledgeable to prepare and process complaints, summons, writs, warrants and probable cause affidavits.

10.   Assist individuals as a notary public.  Witness and authenticate signatures, verify signatures, and take affidavits. 

11.   Maintain a familiarity with the variety of policies, procedures, terminology, and practices necessary for the proper function of the court.

12.   Explains the procedures and meaning of pleas, trials, and other court matters to those accused of Class C misdemeanors.

13.   Assists the police department with clerical needs and visitors/guests that arrive at front.

14.   Cross train to be knowledgeable on state reporting, payments and warrants.  Upon the absence of court administrator, the deputy court clerk can perform the duties.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

         EDUCATION

         High School Diploma or GED

        

         EXPERIENCE

         Two years or more of professional related experience in the administrative field, previous court experience preferred.

         LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

         Municipal Court Clerk Certification Level 1 to be obtained within one (1) year of appointment.

         Valid Texas driver license

COMPETENCIES

An employee's performance will be evaluated based on five competencies.

1) Job knowledge; 2) Teamwork; 3) Customer Service; 4) Flexibility; 5) Work Ethic.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

         Knowledge of:

         Working knowledge of clerical and office procedures, laws, city ordinances, policies of court functions and procedures.

         Computers and office applications with the ability to operate and use technology.

         Skilled in:

         Operating various types of equipment & office equipment including calculators, on-line payment processing, and multi-line phone.

         Effective communication, both oral and written.  Bilingual preferred.

         Ability to:

         Communicate professionally, tactfully, and effectively with the public, coworkers, administrative staff, local agencies and members of City Council.

         Professionally and respectfully handle difficult situations and people.

         Manage time well, be highly organized and plan work assignments effectively to maintain a smooth flow of record keeping and information processing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
      

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

                 ─  making observations

                 ─  reading and writing

                 ─  communicating with others

                 ─  operating assigned equipment.

 Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include:

                 ─  stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl

                 ─  climb, balance, bend, twist and reach

                 ─  lift, carry, push/pull up to 25 lbs

       ─  work under pressure such as frequent “rush” jobs, urgent deadlines, etc.

       ─  work under distractions such as telephone calls and other disturbances

       ─  perform repetitive activities (calculating, keyboarding and writing).

         Work environment:

       ─  work is performed in an office setting

       ─  the employee is occasionally required to encounter unpleasant social situations (dealing with irate or disturbed individuals).